‘I must stay calm.’
Regaining his composure, Hyeok Sojin asked in a steady voice, “How many troops remain in the sect?”
“Including the main force, we have five units. If we count the newly recruited disciples…”
“No, they can’t be included. Sending disciples with no real combat experience would only lead to heavy losses.”
The terror of the puppets lay in their relentless attacks, moving even if their limbs were severed.
A single moment of carelessness or mistake could result in fatal injuries.
“Won Hong, lead the main disciples and evacuate the young ones to Mukrip Cave.” Hyeok Sojin’s eyes glinted as he spoke. “And guard Mukrip Cave with your life. Not a single one of them must get inside.”
“I’ll fight too.”
“If there are puppets, it means someone is controlling them from behind. Protecting the young disciples thoroughly in case of an emergency is more important.” Hyeok Sojin said with a cold gaze. “I’ll take the remaining units and wipe out those vermin.”
Creak.
Having prepared for battle and stepping outside, Hyeok Sojin’s eyes widened.
In the front courtyard of Yeongse Pavilion, a group of elderly men, dressed in all sorts of clothing and armed with weapons, were gathered together.
They were all demons from Peach Blossom Paradise.
“Why are you here?” Hyeok Sojin couldn’t hide his shock.
Even the demons who had been bedridden or unable to move due to illness were now standing, fully armed, in a crowd.
“I heard the news. Some freaks hopped up on weird drugs are storming the sect, huh?” The Mad Master, the most troublesome among Peach Blossom Paradise’s elders, spoke up.
“It’s perfect timing. Let’s stretch our old bones.”
“They’re not opponents you can just ‘stretch’ against.” Hyeok Sojin said earnestly. “The puppets are fearless monsters. They keep moving until their last breath…”
“All the better.” The Mad Master grinned at Hyeok Sojin. “I was bored to death anyway. They’ve kindly provided a stage for us to die on.”
“Elder.”
As Hyeok Sojin’s expression darkened, the Ghost Whip Demon Elder, standing behind, chuckled and said, “That crazy old man’s right. Our resting place isn’t some worn-out bed—it’s the battlefield.”
Then the burly elder, the Golden Mask Blood Monster, grinned and said, “Heh. It’s been a while since I tasted blood.”
The bedridden elders were suddenly brimming with energy, as if their ailments had never existed.
Far from fearing the impending battle, they were thrilled.
To die fighting gloriously on the battlefield, rather than wasting away in a sickbed—that was what they had always dreamed of, wasn’t it?
“To think we’d live this long, with our white hair…”
At the words of the Red Mountain Hidden Demon, the eyes of Peach Blossom Paradise’s demons grew solemn.
The reason they had survived this long was, paradoxically, because they had always been ready to die in battle.
Yet, ironically, that courage to face death was what kept them alive.
“Good. A place to die.” The Grim Demon Tiger, standing at the back, shouted with a laugh. “We’ll hold off those weird bastards, so you take the main force and drive them out.”
“Yeah, yeah! Don’t let the young disciples get hurt!”
Hyeok Sojin barely held back the tears welling up. Rather than prolonging their lives miserably, the demons wanted to die gloriously in battle.
Hyeok Sojin couldn’t stop them.
How could he block their final path?
Tap, tap, tap.
But in the end, large tears fell from his eyes.
“Very well.” Hyeok Sojin quickly wiped his tears and shouted to the demons of Peach Blossom Paradise.
“Then show me your skills!”
He bowed deeply, lowering his head.
“I’m counting on you!”
The demons gave faint smiles.
The successor of the Heaven and Earth Severing Sect was bowing and showing respect to them.
They were satisfied.
What more could they ask for?
‘Time to head out.’ Like they were going for a pleasant outing, the demons of Peach Blossom Paradise marched toward the battlefield with bright expressions.
“Ugh…” Filled with anguished fury, Hyeok Sojin watched them with wide eyes.
He was etching their dignified final moments into his memory.
“I won’t forgive them.”
Crack.
The ground trembled.
Raising his head, purple lightning flickered incessantly in Hyeok Sojin’s eyes.
“Never!”
Roar.
At the same time, a purple radiance burst from his body, soaring to the heavens.
The Divine Flame Demon Qi.
The ultimate technique of the Heaven and Earth Severing Sect was perfectly manifested in Hyeok Sojin’s body.
“I’ll show them the price of crossing our sect!”
Rising to his feet, Hyeok Sojin led the units into battle.
He intended to crush those behind the attack into dust, proclaiming the Heaven and Earth Severing Sect’s might to the martial world once more.
***
Naman, Byeokgye Village.
Mumu was enjoying a rare, lavish meal.
It was beef noodle soup, simmered in a rich broth.
Seong Suryeo, the only daughter of the Seong family, had brought servants to Byeokgye Village, where the vagrants gathered, to serve food.
“Come on, there’s plenty of noodles, so eat up!” Seong Suryeo smiled as she served the beggars.
Then, she noticed a beggar crouched on a tree stump.
His face was hidden by disheveled hair, with melted flesh and scabs clinging to it. His appearance was so ghastly that a child might cry at the sight, but to Seong Suryeo, he looked like a man steeped in melancholy.
“Finished eating?” Seong Suryeo approached Mumu, who was leaning against the stump. “Cold rice isn’t as good as noodles, right? How was it?”
“…”
“Was it good?”
Despite being the daughter of a great family head, Mumu didn’t respond.
It wasn’t out of disrespect.
He knew that once he started talking, the conversation would drag on endlessly.
“Well, you’re the quiet type, aren’t you?” Even without a response, Seong Suryeo wasn’t offended and nodded. “Then rest well.”
With a slight smile, she turned away.
But a faint smile lingered at the corners of her mouth.
‘Strange, isn’t it?’
His face was covered in burn scars, terrifying enough to make one run away at night.
His speech was curt, and he acted arrogantly for a beggar, like a madman.
Yet, those low, dark eyes made her breath catch and her heart race for reasons she couldn’t fathom.
‘Do I have a taste for weird things?’
Known for her bold reputation, she had high standards for men. She had met many outstanding young heroes but felt nothing for them.
Yet her gaze was drawn to this ghastly beggar?
No matter how she thought about it, she couldn’t understand why.
What was certain was those eyes.
She wanted to keep staring into those soul-captivating eyes.
Afterward, Seong Suryeo frequently visited Byeokgye Village with her servants. The stated reason was to help the struggling beggars. But if that were true, she could have sent her servants alone.
The real reason she came each time was Mumu.
The beggars of Byeokgye Village were overjoyed.
In such a harsh season, begging was tough, and finding insects or animals to eat was rare. But when she came, they could eat warm rice or noodles—a true blessing.
In contrast, Mumu was utterly uncomfortable.
He didn’t feel the cold much, nor did he suffer from hunger. When hungry, he could catch hibernating frogs or snakes to get by.
But with Seong Suryeo bringing food and constantly watching or talking to him, he wanted to flee somewhere.
Like right now.
“Why aren’t you eating?”
“I’m not hungry yet.”
“Don’t beggars shove food in their stomachs whether they’re hungry or not?”
“That’s true.”
“Then why don’t you?”
Mumu, annoyed, stopped responding.
Seong Suryeo’s gaze became even more blatant. Having visited so often, she had figured out Mumu’s personality.
Since he disliked being stared at, if she kept looking at him like this?
He’d eventually respond.
“I have more things I can eat than they do. So I can fill my stomach when I’m hungry.” When Mumu finally spoke, Seong Suryeo smiled brightly.
“Aha, I see.”
Clop, clop.
At that moment, a black-clad warrior on horseback and a carriage stopped in front of the vagrants’ gathering.
It was Gyo Cheonak, the martial arts instructor, and a carriage sent by the Seong family.
“Miss, the family head is furious.”
“Why?”
“Didn’t he tell you not to come back to this vagrant village?”
“Did you tattle again, Master Gyo?” As Seong Suryeo frowned, Gyo Cheonak’s expression grew serious.
“Miss, this vagrant village is truly dangerous. Even Black Faction members frequent this place…”
“Master Gyo, I can handle myself.”
“Miss.” As Gyo Cheonak’s eyes turned menacing, Seong Suryeo lowered her head.
“Fine, I’ll go now.” Seong Suryeo waved at Mumu.
“See you next time.”
She then boarded the carriage. But Gyo Cheonak didn’t start the carriage and glared at Mumu menacingly.
‘Is he serious?’
Gyo Cheonak.
He wasn’t an ordinary warrior but the leader of a bandit gang operating in the Heuksugang region.
Yet he had joined the Seong family as a martial arts instructor because he had fallen for Seong Suryeo at first sight in an inn.
For the first time in his life, he had fallen in love and couldn’t control his feelings.
When he heard the Seong family was hiring a martial arts instructor, he handed his position to his deputy and immediately applied, hiding his identity.
Thanks to the exceptional martial skills honed through years of slaughter, he was chosen as the instructor.
‘I thought with time, I could become the Seong family’s son-in-law…’ Gyo Cheonak had believed he had built a rapport with Seong Suryeo while teaching her martial arts.
But now he realized.
It was all an illusion, and she was less interested in him than in this hideous beggar from the vagrant village.
‘This childish game is over.’
Gyo Cheonak bit his lip.
After meeting Seong Suryeo, he had thought he’d become a new man. He had ambitions to stop his evil deeds and live as the Seong family’s son-in-law.
But now he realized.
A caterpillar must eat pine needles to survive.
“Let’s go!” With a sharp shout, the carriage started moving.
A cruel smile played on Gyo Cheonak’s lips as he rode alongside, guarding the carriage.
As Seong Suryeo and Gyo Cheonak left, Fatso approached Mumu and sighed.
“Mumu, it looks like you won’t be able to stay in Byeokgye Village much longer.” In this harsh world, Fatso had survived because he was more perceptive than others.
The moment he saw Gyo Cheonak’s eyes, he knew the man harbored murderous intent toward Mumu.
“Seems so.” Mumu nodded.
He, too, had sensed Gyo Cheonak’s killing intent.
And he was certain that if he disappeared, everything would be resolved.
***
Majeon, Solitary Light Pavilion.
The office of Chief Instructor Yeop Hyocheon.
A rare guest, one only seen during Majeon meetings, was seated there.
It was none other than Gong Yageuk, the master of Hell's Blood Fortress.
“Doubting the Martial Soul Command Lord’s abilities, you say.” Yeop Hyocheon wore a subtle smile. “That’s the freshest thing I’ve heard, Fortress Lord.”
“Ho ho ho. Isn’t that how young ones are?” Despite his massive frame, Gong Yageuk’s eyes curved into crescents. “They shine with brilliance at first, but in the end, their limits are exposed.”
With a leisurely expression, he continued, “The Affectionate Blossom Sect, which staunchly supported the Martial Soul Command Lord, has run dry, and the Heaven and Earth Severing Sect has been raided by mysterious forces.”
“Hmm.”
“As the Affectionate Blossom Sect’s funds dried up, Nangyang’s finances suffered as well.” Gong Yageuk continued with an amused expression. “In the end, the Martial Soul Command Lord’s abilities were propped up by the help of others. With the two factions that supported him in such a state…”
Seeing no particular reaction from Yeop Hyocheon, a sharp glint passed through Gong Yageuk’s eyes.
“With the forces backing the Martial Soul Command Lord in such a state, isn’t it natural that his position as successor is shaking?”
Yeop Hyocheon took a sip of tea and said, “So, what are you proposing, Fortress Lord?”
“I’ll hold a Majeon meeting and formally propose replacing the successor.”
At that moment, a chilling silence filled the Solitary Light Pavilion.
Replacing the successor.
It wasn’t unprecedented in Majeon’s history.
But such cases usually involved the successor voluntarily stepping down, acknowledging their inadequacy.
Being Majeon’s successor didn’t just mean becoming the next leader.
It required the power and ability to command the Ten Demonic Sects and a million demonic warriors.
And Bu Eunseol had, to some extent, been recognized for such abilities.
Yet to abruptly replace someone who had already established themselves as the successor?
“Fortress Lord Gong Yageuk.” Yeop Hyocheon sighed and said, “Can you handle the consequences?”
After a brief silence, he spoke again.
“The Martial Soul Command Lord isn’t someone who’d let this slide.”
“Ha ha ha.” A boisterous laugh spread across Gong Yageuk’s fleshy face. “For the Chief Instructor, of all people, to say that… I’m surprised.”
As his laughter subsided, his eyes seemed to fill with a dark light.
“Wasn’t the Chief Instructor the one most troubled by the Martial Soul Command Lord becoming the successor?”
Yeop Hyocheon responded with a faint smile. That smile was so deep and dark that his true thoughts were unreadable.
“Then shall we hold a Majeon meeting in fifteen days?” After a long silence, Yeop Hyocheon’s lips moved. “However, given the nature of the agenda, I cannot force the sect leaders to attend.”
“Of course.” Gong Yageuk rose from his seat with a satisfied expression. “Then I’ll assume the meeting will be held in fifteen days.”
He gave Yeop Hyocheon a light smile.
“Farewell.”
“Safe travels.”
With brief farewells exchanged, Gong Yageuk rose, his massive frame lumbering out.
Watching him leave, Yeop Hyocheon took another sip of tea.
“For that old demon to step forward, it must mean the leader met that man…” Slowly rising, Yeop Hyocheon gazed out the window.
“Summon the Nine Deaths Squad Leader.”
At his low command, soon after, the Nine Deaths Squad Leader, So Jamyeong, entered the office.
“You called, sir.” Though So Jamyeong clasped his hands respectfully, Yeop Hyocheon’s gaze remained fixed on the window.
“Any news on the Martial Soul Command Lord’s whereabouts?”
“None.”
“And the Shadow Pavilion?”
“They say they can’t find any trace of him either.”
“Ho ho ho.” The Chief Instructor’s expression seemed oddly amused. “I wish things like this happened more often.”
“Pardon?”
“Isn’t it interesting? Ho ho ho.” The Chief Instructor wore a faint smile. “That old man, holed up in Guizhou, dragged his heavy body here to request a Majeon meeting.”
“…”
“If he wants it opened, we’ll open it.”
So Jamyeong wore a peculiar expression.
‘The Chief Instructor’s heart is like a well filled with black ink.’
Suddenly, he recalled something Bu Eunseol had said at a drinking gathering.
That description felt spot-on.
It was so dark and opaque that his thoughts were utterly unreadable.
“Inform the Ten Demonic Sects of Fortress Lord Gong Yageuk’s intentions.”
“Understood.”
So Jamyeong swallowed the questions rising in his mind and clasped his hands.
***
As night fell, a bone-chilling northern wind began to howl once more.
In the vagrant village, where everyone was fast asleep, only silence lingered.
Around the third watch, Mumu, who had been sleeping in his shack, slowly rose.
“…” He quietly surveyed the tranquil scenery of the vagrant village.
Though his time here was short, he had grown attached to it.
True, Fatso was the only one who treated him kindly, but that was only natural.
If beggars weren’t harsh, who in this world would be?
For those whose sole goal was a single spoonful of rice, Mumu, who didn’t even beg, must have seemed infuriatingly detestable.
“Well then.” Mumu offered a brief prayer for the village’s peace, then turned away.
As he left the village entrance and walked down a dim path, a small figure appeared.
It was Fatso.
“Leaving now?”
“How did you know?” Mumu looked surprised, and Fatso crossed his arms and laughed.
“You punk. After all the time I’ve looked after you, I know you like the back of my hand.” He pulled a wrapped cloth from his bosom and handed it over.
“Eat it on the way if you’re hungry.”
Opening the cloth, Mumu found it filled with expensive jerky, the kind warriors ate. When Mumu looked at him in surprise, Fatso rubbed his nose.
“Don’t be shocked. I bought it with the money I secretly saved up.”
That amount of jerky would have cost at least a silver coin.
And that money was likely what Fatso had saved from a lifetime of begging.
“I can’t accept this.” Mumu shook his head, but Fatso grinned.
“It’s fine. I’m giving it because I want to.”
“Fatso.”
“No idea why I got so attached in such a short time.” Fatso laughed, pointing to Mumu’s eyes visible through his disheveled hair. “Damn it. It’s probably those eyes. They make people’s hearts tremble.”
Striding forward, Fatso tightly hugged Mumu and said, “Live well. Be a bit friendlier to people wherever you go.”
“…”
“We beggars have to be kinder and sharper than others… so we don’t get beaten. Got it?”
Mumu’s eyes dimmed.
If not for Fatso, he might not have woken up by the river. Fatso had saved his life and helped him stay in Byeokgye Village as a beggar.
A life-saving debt.
Fatso was Mumu’s savior.
Mumu didn’t say thank you or promise to repay the debt. He simply hugged Fatso back, who was holding him tightly.
That gesture conveyed his feelings more clearly than a hundred words.
“I’ll see you off until the next ridge. Let’s go.”
Fatso was an incredibly warm-hearted person.
Unable to refuse, Mumu set out with him.
After crossing a few mountains, Fatso finally stopped.
“Take care, then.”
“Stay healthy.”
As Fatso waved, Mumu slowly turned away.
“Aaah!” At that moment, a horrific scream echoed from somewhere.
Mumu and Fatso turned to look down the mountain, but nothing was visible.
“Did we hear wrong?”
As Fatso tilted his head, Mumu said in a low voice, “A bandit gang is attacking.”
“Bandits? Where?”
“At the manor over there.”
“There? That’s the Seong family’s manor.”
Fatso squinted, but all he could see was the faint outline of the manor. No people were visible.
“You can see what’s happening from here?”
“Go to the authorities and report it. Hurry.”
With that, Mumu dashed forward.
“Hey! Bandits are attacking, and you’re going there? What are you planning?”
Ignoring Fatso’s shouts, Mumu raced down the slope like a madman.
He knew.
Going there would likely mean a dog’s death.
For reasons he couldn’t understand, hearing the desperate screams and sensing the manor’s people dying sparked an uncontrollable rage within him.
‘Stay calm. I must stay calm.’
Suppressing his rising emotions, Mumu ran.
It would take a long time for Fatso to report to the authorities and for soldiers to arrive.
He had to reach the manor and buy time somehow.
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